MAPUSA
As investigations continue into the deadly fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora that claimed 25 lives, serious questions are emerging over regulatory oversight and the failure of authorities to act on repeated warnings.
Property owner Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar appeared before the Anjuna Police on Monday, where his statement was recorded in connection with the case. Amonkar maintained that he had no role in running the nightclub and claimed that authorities had been alerted multiple times about alleged illegalities at the premises.
“I have owned the property since 1994. I repeatedly informed authorities that the nightclub was operating illegally and without mandatory permissions,” Amonkar told reporters after his appearance before the police.
He alleged that a sale agreement signed in 2004 with businessman Surinder Kumar Khosla was cancelled after non-payment, but the property was subsequently occupied using forged documents.
Despite a long-running civil dispute involving Amonkar and his associate Sunil Diukar, commercial operations allegedly continued uninterrupted for years.
Crucially, Amonkar said that just days before the fire, his lawyer had formally written to various authorities warning that the establishment lacked valid licences and posed a safety risk.
“Those letters were ignored,” he said.
Legal experts point out that once complaints regarding illegal operations and safety violations are formally submitted, enforcement agencies are duty-bound to conduct inspections and take corrective action.
Police officials said they are examining documentary evidence, including ownership records, licences and correspondence with government departments, to determine accountability in what has become one of Goa’s worst nightclub tragedies.
